Written by Mark Driskill:
Friday, November 12, 2010
Read Acts 1:15-26
Here we see the first body of believers seeking God’s direction in choosing a leader to fill Judas’ place. Matthias was chosen to step into all the blessing that Judas had forsaken for thirty pieces of silver. I’m not one of those who thinks Judas was a helpless victim of some divine set up. While it was predicted that he would betray the Lord, that doesn’t mean God made him do it.
God foresaw the path the betrayer would allow his love of money and power to take him. How sad to think of all the blessing Judas walked away from because he just couldn’t see beyond his own ambitions and fears. There was a throne with Judas’ name on it that had to be given to someone else because he kissed it goodbye on that dreadful night in the garden. God was able to find someone to take Judas’ place on the Apostolic team, but I don’t think anyone could have filled the place in God’s heart that Judas left to go his own way.
God is not willing that any should perish. He takes no delight in the death of the wicked. To the heavenly father it wasn’t easy to watch as this disciple kissed his destiny goodbye. I don’t think any of us can imagine the sorrow in our heavenly fathers heart when we trade in our calling for cheap trinkets of this life. Sure if we walk away from our calling the Lord can find someone else to do the job. There is always a Matthias available to step into the blessings we refuse to walk in. But the heart of God breaks over our betrayals of his calling. How many of us have kissed God’s best goodbye because of some temporary pleasure? How many of us have said no to the blessing of God because we lacked the faith to follow through? Friends be sure of this, God is going to finish his work with or without our participation. But there is a place in God’s heart that only you can fill. There is a destiny God has for you. There is a throne and crown with your name on it, a place at the royal banquet table of heaven reserved for you.
There is a future with your name on it. But in a single moment of passion you can throw it away. There is no boyfriend, girlfriend, job, or luxury that can ever compare to all God has in store for you. Yet so many will kiss it all goodbye for those very things. Friend don’t forget that when you walk away from God’s call on your life ultimately you are the one who loses. But if you will embrace the moments God places before you and determine to walk by faith you will receive 100 times more in this life and in the age to come eternal life. So keep your eyes on the Lord and don’t let Matthias take your spot.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky. They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy. Mark is web minister for Begotten by the Word , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources. Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program.
Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hillbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
